Warning of ‘mask anarchy’ when children return to school on March 8

A senior Tory MP has warned of “mask anarchy” in schools ahead of students’ first day back next week.

Robert Halfon, chair of the education select committee, said “enormous pressure” was being put on teachers because of the “confusion” over mask wearing.

The Conservative MP for Harlow told the Commons on Monday: “Given that the Schools Minister said that the wearing of masks by pupils on the school estate is advisory guidance, if a pupil or a parent on behalf of a pupil objects to comply with the wishes of a head teacher to wear a mask – are we not in danger of creating mask anarchy?”

He added: “Is it not better to come down firmly on one side or another and provide clearly definitive regulations to help teaching staff.”

Watch: Secondary pupils to wear face masks when schools reopen - here's what to expect

It comes amid a row over whether children should wear face masks when they all return to school in full from March 8.

The Government has announced measures to enhance coronavirus safety, including twice-weekly testing for secondary pupils and a recommendation to wear face coverings in classrooms.

However, teachers warn that the wearing of facemasks will not be enforceable and have complained about confusion from Government.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb replied: “We said very clearly that we strongly recommend students in secondary schools to wear face coverings in classrooms where it is not possible to keep socially distanced between pupils.

“We’ve also said for quite a number of months that where in a communal areas of a school it’s not possible to maintain social distance then staff and adults and students in secondary schools should also wear face masks.”

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